Monday, December 18, 2017

Stay on target.


Stay on target.





Graphic Novels Interview!


If you’re a school librarian, my guess is that you’ve come across an adult who has told their kids or students to not check out graphic novels because they’re not “real” books.
I filmed this interview with you in mind.

Beverly Cleary Books!


Dear Third-grade Self,
Hey! You know those books that you’re always checking out from the school library? The mouse with the motorcycle, that precocious girl named Ramona, etc.? Yeah, the Beverly Cleary books! Well, someday you’ll grow up to be a published author, and then Ms. Cleary’s very first books will get reissued with their original illustrations. And YOU’LL be asked to write one of the forewords, along with an esteemed group of some fantastic contemporary writers and illustrators.
So keep reading! And writing. And drawing...
Sincerely,
Your Grown-up Self


Monday, December 11, 2017

Santa's Train Display


I played the part of Train Conductor at Santa’s Train Display at Look Park over the weekend. A father and son approached me at the train display. The father told me that he had heard that the author of the Lunch Lady books would be at the event. In my old-timey conductor voice, I confirmed that yes, Jarrett was here. The father asked where. I told him, “Oh, he keeps comin’ in and out ‘round this area.” The father was disappointed. He had thought maybe Jarrett would be set up with a table or something. I told them that I was good friends with Jarrett and I’d be happy to pass along any messages. The dad looked at me and told me about how his son really loved the Lunch Lady books—they really hooked him onto reading. I smiled and told him that was a wonderful story. Then the dad looked at me and said, “Wait. Are you? Are you Jarrett?” I thought the dad was just playing along, but he wasn’t. And then we all had a good laugh.

Here are some more scenes from Santa’s Train Display at Look Park! Open from 4-8 every day until Dec. 23, with limited hours on Dec. 24. I’ll be back this season in the capacity as dad, but I’ll be back as conductor for another night next year!












Night at the Nutcracker!

Such a fun time donning the Mother Ginger wig and being a part of the Pioneer Valley Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker!



 Here's the real reason why I love playing Mother Ginger in the Pioneer Valley Ballet's Nutcracker...I get to hang out with my daughters backstage as they prep for their big moments on stage. It's such a thrill to be back there, watching all of the chaos and energy that it takes to put on such a big production.
On my walk over to the theater, I stopped by the local art supply shop and bought a fresh sketchbook and a new brush pen. Here are some of the sketches that I made from both backstage in the green room and from the wings of the stage:









































Wednesday, December 06, 2017

Sketch-a-Thon!



Um....so this is the best ever. I love seeing this kid’s reaction! The Sketch-a-Thon was a HUGE success and we raised enough money to award over a dozen art courses at the Worcester Art Museum! We’ll do it again next year with even more special guests and we’ll also simulcast on YouTube. (Working on archiving this year’s Sketch-a-Thon on that platform now.)